What does "average daily attendance (ADA)" measure and how does it impact school funding?

Average Daily Attendance (ADA) is a critical metric that measures the number of students present in school on an average day. This measurement is significant because many school funding formulas, especially in public education systems, are directly tied to student attendance rates. Higher average daily attendance can lead to increased funding from state and federal sources, as funding is often allocated based on the number of students who are actively participating in the educational process. This means that schools strive to maximize their ADA as it directly affects their financial resources, which can be used for various educational programs, staff salaries, and other essential services to enhance the overall educational experience. Therefore, understanding ADA is crucial for school administrators when planning and managing budgets effectively.